KU was 29-for-67 from the floor (43.3 percent), 7-for-23 from three (30.4 percent) and 24-for-27 from the free-throw line (88.9 percent).

TTU was 21-for-64 from the floor (32.8 percent), 5-for-18 from three (27.8 percent) and 16-for-19 from the free-throw line (84.2 percent).

KU out-rebounded TTU, 48-37. KU had 17 turnovers to TTU’s 16.

FINAL: KU defeats TTU, 89-63

One of the highlights of the final few minutes for KU is Jeff Withey, who puts in two free throws and also registers a block.

The final highlight, though, belongs to Elijah Johnson, who takes off from about eight feet away for a one-handed slam over a defender. That one might make SportsCenter. Johnson puts on a big smile as he returns to the defensive end.

Mike Singletary misses a shot, and Tech’s leading scorer (15.4 points per game) has yet to score in this one (0-for-4 shooting). Give credit to Marcus Morris for that.

KU is showing its athleticism late. Aldrich skies for an offensive board, then lays in the follow. The next possession, Xavier Henry lobs to Robinson for an emphatic dunk over a defender. KU’s starters should be out of the game before too long.

KU 70/TTU 46 — 7:36 left in game

Aldrich screens two different defenders in a matter of a couple seconds, freeing Morningstar for a wide-open three that he drains. Aldrich’s work inside was the key.

What a weird sequence. Self is frustrated by a call on KU, but as he’s ripping into Steve Welmer, TTU coach Pat Knight marches onto the floor and gets a technical foul himself. So, while Self continues screaming at one ref, another one is busy T’ing up the Red Raiders’ coach. I’m blocked by the foundation of the basket on this end, so I’m not sure what Knight was upset about.

Aldrich shows a bit more aggressiveness when getting the ball inside, taking a drop step toward the rim to put in a short shot with a foul. No fading away that time.

For the third straight possession, KU looks Aldrich’s way, and for the third straight time, the big man draws a foul on a shot. With two free throws, Aldrich hits double figures for the first time in the last three games.

KU 56/TTU 38 — 11:23 left in game

Roberson puts in another three. There haven’t been many negatives for KU, but Collins’ perimeter defense on Roberson has been one of them. The guard has 13 of Tech’s first 28 points.

After an offensive rebound scramble, Roberson is left alone again, and he cans another three. A disgusted Self signals for timeout following an 8-0 TTU run.

Roberson again beats KU on the dribble, dropping to Cohadarevic for a two. Taylor’s shot is blocked on the other end, and Cohadarevic gets his second straight bucket, this time on a tip-in following an offensive rebound. Self calls his second timeout in a minute, as TTU has reeled off 12 straight points.

KU 54/TTU 26 — 15:51 left in game

Morningstar starts the second half over Taylor.

Marcus Morris has come out fired up to start the second half. The first two possessions, he rips down offensive rebounds and follows with stickbacks — drawing a foul on the second one.

Collins swishes his first three, but gives up one defensively to Roberson on the other end.

Aldrich rattles in a long hook shot on the baseline. We haven’t seen too many of those go in for Aldrich lately.

Aldrich misses a slingshot 18-footer, but Xavier Henry goes way above the rim for a one-handed stickback. I’m not sure if it should have been offensive goal-tending or not, but it was impressive regardless.

KU was 14-for-31 from the floor (45.2 percent), 3-for-9 from three (33.3 percent) and 11-for-12 from the free-throw line (91.7 percent).

TTU was 5-for-24 from the floor (20.8 percent), 0-for-5 from three (0 percent) and 8-for-10 from the free-throw line (80 percent).

KU out-rebounded TTU, 23-15. TTU had 14 turnovers, while KU had 10.

Halftime thoughts

• KU’s two All-America candidates combined for four first-half points, and KU leads by 24. I think that says volumes about what can happen when KU shares the wealth offensively and plays well defensively.

• KU had nine first-half steals, so I guess my pre-game blog was a bit premature.

• Reed (3 steals) and Morningstar (2 steals) were as active on both ends in the first half as I’ve seen them during their three years at KU.

KU 42/TTU 18 — Halftime

C.J. Henry has a three partially blocked from the corner, but Morningstar hustles to tip it back to Reed. Robinson finishes the play with a strong move inside, dumping the ball over the rim for two.

Robinson swats away a shot and comes away with the basketball, but he tries to do a bit too much. After dribbling it all the way up the court, he throws it out of bounds on a pass intended for Marcus.

Xavier Henry puts in a three from the wing, and that’s his first field goal of the game.

What an amazing pass from Morningstar, who tossed a no-look pass to Marcus Morris on the break under the basket. Marcus put it in for two with a foul, and it might have been most surprising because KU’s least flashy player (Morningstar) made perhaps the flashiest pass of his career.

Following a steal, Marcus is all alone, and he cups the ball in his right hand for a thunder jam. KU’s fans rise to their feet and boost the noise level after that one, as the Jayhawks are playing their best basketball in a while.

KU 29/TTU 14 — 3:30 left in 1st half

Texas Tech has followed through with its trends so far. With two free throws from Robert Lewandowski, seven of Tech’s 13 points have come from the free-throw line (where the Red Raiders are 7-for-8).

How impressive is it that, after a switch on a screen, Marcus Morris can cut off TTU’s John Roberson defensively? The big man does a great job of shuffling to stop the penetration, then after a miss, comes down with the defensive rebound as well.

After penetrating to the lane, Reed drops a nice bounce pass to Markieff Morris, who finishes strong with a left-handed layup. Timeout TTU, but it’s the offensive end — the Red Raiders have made just 3 of 17 shots — where Knight needs to find some answers.

Risky wrap-around pass by Robinson, but Markieff does a great job of snatching it with a defender on his shoulder before putting it in for two.

Another nice post feed by Reed, and Marcus Morris puts in the layup. The Jayhawks have made it look easy offensively in the last few possessions.

KU 19/TTU 11 — 7:59 left in 1st half

Morningstar steps in to poke the ball away from Cohadarevic, and he’s fouled by the big man on a layup. Cohadarevic has a few choice words for Morningstar, who leans toward the big man’s ear to deliver a few words back.

Tyrel Reed nearly gets a steal with the full-court pressure, but Texas Tech dives to corral it. Reed leaps high a few seconds later, this time coming away with the steal. His long outlet pass is stolen, though.

Things gets sloppy from both teams after that. Though the pace is frantic, KU doesn’t value the ball, as Robinson and Taylor commit consecutive turnovers. KU assistant coach Joe Dooley seems to permanently have his head buried in his hands. An upset Self goes down the bench and nearly throws Collins and Xavier Henry back into the game.

Collins runs the break, but he turns it over, too. TTU has nine turnovers, while TTU has eight.

KU 17/TTU 6 — 11:53 left in 1st half

Once again, a post touch immediately leads to two points for KU. Aldrich gets it inside and is immediately double-teamed before passing it out to Taylor, who then puts up a shot fake before driving to the lane for a short, one-handed jumper.

Maybe the Jayhawks just needed to be home again to turn up the defensive intensity. TTU is up to five turnovers already, with two of those the result of KU steals.

Brady Morningstar finds Tyrel Reed on the wing, and the Burlington native drains the three.

After a timeout, KU’s full-court press produces another steal, as Morningstar pokes the ball away from Darko Cohadarevic. If KU keeps producing a steal every time it presses, Self might have to keep facing questions about why it’s not a greater part of the Jayhawks’ gameplan.

KU 8/TTU 4 — 15:26 left in 1st half

KU gets an immediate post touch to Marcus Morris, and he rewards the Jayhawks by swishing a turn-around on the baseline.

After two made free throws by Marcus, KU goes to its full-court pressure, and a sped-up Red Raiders team turns it over under its own basket. The fans clap a bit too loud for the turnover, perhaps trying to send the message that KU should full-court press more.

Sherron Collins curls around a screen and sinks an 18-footer for KU. It’s 6-0 KU.

After getting their first four points from going inside, the Jayhawks forgot about their big men. KU settles for long jumpers early in the shot clock, and all of them bounce away.

Taylor beats TTU down the court after a defensive stop, and after getting a pass from Collins, he puts in a finger-roll to extend KU’s lead.

12:45 p.m.

The fans are a bit more fired up here after a nice rendition of the National Anthem by Paige Padgett, who couldn't be more than about six years old.

Here are some notes about Texas Tech, which comes into the game with a 12-4 record.

• Texas Tech doesn't shoot nearly the same number of three-pointers as it did a year ago. The Red Raiders have shot just 13.9 three-pointers per game this year, making 35 percent of their attempts. In last year's game against KU, TTU made 15 of its 27 three-point attempts. On Wednesday against Missouri, TTU made 12 of its 27 three-pointers.

• The Red Raiders shoot a ton of free throws. They average 28 free throws per game, and also shoot an impressive 72 percent from the line.

• Six-foot-6 forward Mike Singletary leads the Red Raiders with a 15.4 point-per-game scoring average. He has made 54 percent of his two-point attempts this year. He scored 18 against KU last year in TTU's 84-65 victory.

• Six-foot-1 guard Nick Okorie averages just 8.8 points per game this year, but he had 17 against the Jayhawks last year.

• Defensively, Texas Tech has been poor as of late, giving up at least 75 points to seven straight opponents.

• According to KenPom.com, Texas Tech plays the 17th-fastest of all NCAA teams. To win against KU, the Red Raiders will most likely have to score in the 80s and 90s.

11:35 p.m.

Welcome back to the Newell Post Live, coming to you from Allen Fieldhouse where the No. 3-ranked Kansas Jayhawks are getting set to take on the Texas Tech Red Raiders.

I think it will be important for the Jayhawks today to get back to what they do best defensively, which is pressuring the ball to force teams into turnovers.

A look at the last four games reveals a troubling trend for KU's defense, as the Jayhawks aren't getting the steals they're accustomed to.

In the last four games, here are KU's steal totals: five against Temple, eight against Cornell, three against Tennessee and four against Nebraska.

For reference, this season, KU is averaging 8.8 steals per game.

That indicates to me that KU's guards lately aren't pressuring as well as they did early in the season.

Another problem could be this: KU doesn't have any defensive specialists at the guard positions this year.

Looking back to past teams, Aaron Miles, Russell Robinson and Mario Chalmers all provided the Jayhawks with defenders on the perimeter that also had a knack for picking up steals by anticipating passes.

But who is that player on this year's team? Brady Morningstar is good at following him man like a shadow, but he's not a big steals guy.

Looking down the Jayhawks' roster, the "perimeter defensive that can get lots of steals" label really could only be achieved by one player: Tyshawn Taylor.

Sherron Collins, with his scoring prowess, will always simply be a complementary player on defense (though his steals are way up this year, but that's for another blog).

Xavier Henry is a wing player, and asking him to guard shorter, quicker players would probably be asking too much. He still leads the team in steals this year, but his opportunities will be limited because he is defending players off the ball. Tyrel Reed has improved his defense immensely, but he still just has 12 steals this season.

Taylor, despite playing 390 minutes this season, has just 20 steals. That's too few for an athletic and quick guy like him.

I didn't see anything wrong with Taylor last week wondering aloud about his role. What he said was true: Guys are constantly trying to find their place on a team as new people shuffle in and out of the rotation.

However, if Taylor looks at the situation a little closer, I think he'd find that he's the only player in the regular rotation with the athleticism and tools to be a lockdown perimeter defender and also a "steals guy" for KU.

And, to me, that's about as important of a role as there is.

We'll have more analysis as we get closer to gametime. In the meantime, be sure to vote in our poll on the left and use the hashtag #kubball to have your Tweets appear on the left side of the screen.

Also, no guarantees, but http://justin.tv/sremlahc10, password: phog could be of help to those folks surfing the Internet looking for the game.

First, don't steals often come from off-the-ball defenders who overplay the passing lanes like Mario?

Second, Taylor was wondering aloud about his role without having said it first to his coach, plus he was claiming to speak for other players. Not too cool. Good thing Coach Self doesn't really have a doghouse...

Paris — Good point about the off-the-ball defenders. I would say that many times they do get steals, but in the past, KU has always had at least one great on-the-ball guy that had quick hands that could force steals from the opposing point guard. To me, Taylor is the only guy that can fill that role for KU.

Also, I think Taylor was just being honest instead, not complaining. I think anyone who has watched the KU games knows that at times, Taylor struggles offensively not knowing when to attack, when not to attack, when to shoot, when not to shoot, etc. I think he meant that, but it didn't come out the way he wanted it to. But you are correct — if you have those questions in your mind, it would be best to talk to the coach about it first.

KU_Alumn — As an engaged man, I will politely say "no comment" to your question.

KRichards — Our photographers try to mix in a few fans shots with the normal action shots from the game. A couple photos are typically put up before the game, then more are added at halftime and after the game.

As I recall, John Sunbold, the ex-missouri player was a thug. I believe he was the player which constantly tried to reinjure the wrist of one of our guards by grabbing at it during the game (many thought at the order of Norm Stuart).

What was that? 4 turnovers in less than a minute?? And that foul by Cole was just not smart -- if you're the big, no need to stick around and go for a steal in the open court.
He's had a few of those this season, and it needs to stop. If we play good teams, we can't have him on the bench in foul trouble!

jhwkfan162515--I agree, Brady is having a great game--hope he keeps it up! What about that Thunderdunk by Morris?!!! 18 points by Tech--that has to be demoralizing. The only negative is the turnovers. Don't let up Hawks!!!

I'm not sure what I'm seeing. They played better when Sherron and Cole came out of the game. Are they too dependent on them so they just rely on them to carry the game? And when they're out, they know they actually have to play? It's perplexing...this team is so much better than this. They just need to play like it.

MrPilot I agree.... It seems like the players know what they need to do to "gel" together but it seems like the starters don't know how to do that on the hardwood. The guys coming off the bench realize the only way they are going to stay in the game is play the way Coach expects them to. Look at the guys that are getting the minutes. It's the guys that are giving it all. Starters pay attention please.. I think we have a very, very good second five... I like the ball pressure we are finally starting to do. We are deep there is no reason not to be able to wear teams down. Great job team!! Glad to see CJ out there making plays. And Morningstar?? all I can say is WOW!!! Love the kid he is the image of our team. Not the most athletic or most talented but the energy he plays with and leaves on the hardwood.... Hope X is paying attention he needs to be more aggressive on both sides of the ball. my two cents....

Can't believe we're playing so well with Tyrel and Brady in the game. (sarcasm intended for those who don't think they should play as much). Oh, but you guys probably aren't saying anything today since we're up by 24.

Mr. Pilot--it was the same way at Nebraska. The best run in that game was with Collins and Cole on the bench. There appears to be team ball and Collin's ball. Self has to take his pick. The first half he chose team ball. Brady was great, but so was Reed, Robinson, the brothers and the twins. Second half starting, lets see if Collins learned anything.

Say what you want about Cole but I think his production is two fold. One the guards need to swing the ball around to help Cole get open and second, Cole has made enough noise down there in the paint that teams no to guard him and face him and control his touches. He needs to demand the ball and and work on getting open but when it gets down to the wire I want him in the game. The young guys are coming around and Kudos to the twins for their production. We are showing more energy than we have in a while. RCJ!

Note to the Big 12 Network:
NEVER have these three announcers work together again. All of the irrelevant chatter made my ears bleed. I know it's a blowout, but good grief! At times they were struggling to talk over each other (all three yammering at once) and the crowd's reaction to big plays to keep telling some ridiculous story about roommates and Royals games from 25 years ago.

I know we're up 24, but this game has been no better than Tennessee or Nebraska. We're just at home against a weak team. We still have too many selfish players who are getting too many minutes. Xavier and Sherron jump to mind. Sherron hits some good shots, but he still takes far too many bad shots. And, as I said after the Nebraska game, Sherron's defense is poor at best. His man, every game, is able to beat him to the basket anytime! That is just simply poor defense. Marcus Morris can play. And, Morningstar again distinguishes himself as our BEST player, period. In fairness, I didn't see the first 8 minutes of the game. But, Reed is clearly our best shooter, and Morningstar our best player. Xavier really needs to find a comfy seat on the bench. CJ should play more. I'm not sure why Tyshawn saw such limited action, but we didn't miss him at all.

We'll get there, I'm sure. But, somebody is going to have to face the facts on some of our weaknesses. Denial will just lead to continued selfish play on offense and poor effort on defense.

I understand it was difficult for you but thats who those guys are. And rest assured that nearly every Big XII game in the Kansas Missouri area will have those announcers.
There is a reason they are on the Big XII network afterall.

...I think Elijah Johnson raised a good question there in that last second dunk.....WHY THE F ISNT HE PLAYING?!?!?! Can someone just answer the question. It obviously isn't because of his skill, or ability. IS HE INJURED? IS IT HIS GRADES? DID HE BREAK TEAM POLICY? LJWORLD< can you help get this question answered? When I see Tyshawn out there in confused mode, I wonder what the deal is with EJ... I think we were playing our best b-ball with Tyshawn off the bench, and EJ starting..... just an observation.

I loved that last dunk. They need to be playing every second of the game. I don't care if we're up 30 with 10 seconds left, they should drive it hard to the lane and try and score. To heck with dribbling it out. I hate that.

Man, Marcus looked good today; despite some defensive lapses, Robinson played ok. Tyshawn .. man, again, bad passes, can't finish on a drive in traffic, bad decisions. He played well vs. Nebraska, but regression today. Brady started the half. May be sign of things to come? My guess is EJ just wants to play. KU GreenMachine .. I cannot believe EJ would be worse than Taylor if given the opportunity to get in the flow of the game. Must be something we don't know (because I tell you what, it isn't Taylor's defense, because that's below average).

thats my point...there has to be something we don't know in regards to EJ...cuz haven't seen anything but good things from him, and he went from starting to playing the last few seconds of the game....

LJWorld. You want news to report on? Fine out why EJ is not getting any minutes. I think all the Jayhawk Nation would like to know. You write an article about all other non sense, why not something relevant for once?

I like what announcer John Arter said during the second half about Xavier Henry. Called him a "hand shooter" as opposed to an "arm shooter." Described these kinds of shots as being not as strong and translating into being softer around the rim from more angles and range. Described Henry as being one of those players like Clyde Lovellette who could score against anyone, but with a good supporting cast, has the class to work quietly within it, doing what needs to be done when he's needed. Subtle genius and mature focus shows leadership potential to me. Hope he stays under Self's tutelage all four years, but if he chooses to enter the draft, even though he's not dominating the highlight reels all the time, he will more importantly be mature enough to compete at the highest level in the NBA -- that "hand shot" will win more than a few games in the final second, Kobe-style.

Just came from the game. Good crowd noise but I have to agree with what Jayhawkerman and Bhann both said about Cole, there just seems to be some tentativeness with his game, maybe sick or slightly injured. A good win nonetheless.

Heels in the Top 15--that would be a good bet, CoolDoc__Jones. I can't wait for a Mid-Major to knock off the Heels in March Madness!!! That is what makes it so great. Rankings don't mean a thing, when the Big Dance begins!

Self talked about Elijah on his TV show last week. He said Elijah had as high of a ceiling as any player he's ever coached. But right now, he's still learning. Self also said that he puts in the players that he trusts the most. That, to me, says that Elijah still needs lots of improvement on the defensive end before he gets significant minutes.

If you watched the Nebraska game, you would understand why EJ doesnt get more pt. I am pretty sure he was in in the 1st half for a couple of minutes. Had a turnover, a foul and lost his man twice on D. I think Coach Self just doesn't trust him enough yet.

Newell: Thanks for the info. I will say, though, that you should probe that further as opposed to making assumptions .. only because this is a question that puzzles many, many Jayhawks fans. It would be nice just to know, because Taylor has really faltered on the defensive end and Reed is just average.

When I hear "trust", I also think that could mean concern about turnovers, or simply knowing the offensive system. Could certainly mean the team defense concept. It is obvious that Robinson is learning, but it seemed to me that EJ was at least adequate when he was in. Again, just assumptions.

I am stumped, here, because the comment about him having as high of a ceiling as anyone makes me want to know why you wouldn't accept some negatives early due to growing pains, to get the high return later. Any more info you can find out would be great ... I can't make it the Salty Iguana to ask questions.

crimsoninracine?? How you watched a KU basketball game all year? Sherron is by far the best player on this team, mentally and physically.. He plays great defense, and his worst shot is 100 TIMES better than Tyshawn's best shot... Don't make stupid post on here, knocking Sherron!!

If HCBS is mad at EJ, he shouldn't be. The dunk was not unsportsmanlike in any way. If you notice, once EJ crossed half court he was harrased by the Tech player guarding him... I would drive and dunk the damn ball too(If I wasn't 5'8" and could actually dunk.) Great play EJ. Now, when HCBS yells at you for the "showing off" then you should yell back at him, "Let me in the damn game for some meaningful minutes and I'll dunk on them too!!"

Also, the funny thing about Roy Williams and NC is that if you remember last year we were in a "rebuilding", ok "re-loading" season. We still made it to the Elite 8 and didn't lose our 6th game until game #31 vs texas tech(second to last reg. season game). Just says a lot about how great of a coach HCBS is, even with young people.

Self could easily put in EJ and let him learn, but with the depth we have and as many guards as we have, why? I, myself, am perfectly content with our current rotation. However, I do agree that they need to improve, which it seems they did with today's win.

Morningstar and Reed really applied some pressure and created some turnovers when we were pressing in the first half ! I know we rushed the resulting turnovers into our own turnovers but I think we need to keep pressing. I don't think we need to adopt mizzerys 40 min of slight panic, but throwing some pressure every now and then with the depth we have should happen every game.

mpann1818,
The only recruit we have coming in so far next year is Royce Wooldridge who will probably never crack the starting rotation. The other recruits we are going after are Josh Selby, Brandon Knight, Doron Lamb, and now in the fold Terrence Ross. All of which are 5 star according to rivals except Terrence Ross who is a 4 star.

I think this team will have to win with playing defense as all of you have said, but we have to get better guarding the ball. I think the jayhawks have a lot of promise for the next couple of years, collins will be a big loss and so will cole if he leaves, but I don't think X is anywhere close to an NBA player right now, do you all? I don't think there will be a lot of room for a lot of recruits because right now the only one ready to play NBA ball is Sherron. What do you guys think?

Who knows what Cole will do? NBA teams are salivating over him because of his blocking ability. Will he go? Flip a coin. X should stay because he is not ready for the next level. He has too many areas to work on, mainly rebounding, defense and passing. However, the decision to leave will ultimately be his decision. HCBS will advise him accordingly. We'll miss Sherron but just like Jacque Vaughn, Ryan Robertson, Kirk Hinrich, Russell Robinson and others, someone will step up and be the leader!

I really believe that Cole and X should stay another year and next year could be better then this year, give another year to the Morrises, T-Rob, Johnson, X, EJ and of course Mario Little would be in the mix, I really think he will be a good player next year, the only player we for sure lose is Sherron and maybe TT will get his head out or transfer, but Self might have to make a decision between him and EJ and I would take EJ for sure, TT is a head case and he seems very selfish right now.

ralster... I agree totally. I, myself can't wait until the Morris twins are seniors. I think that they'll be great leaders and not to mention possibly one or both could earn pre-season all-conf./american picks. EJ will be our point with CJ Henry running the 2 alongside TT. Then TRob/Withey as the 4 and 5. Would have a great great team. Very long and athletic. Kinda like this years team.